Things To Do
in Beernem
Beernem is a small, pleasant municipality in West Flanders, Belgium, located a short drive east of historic Bruges and surrounded by agricultural fields and waterways. The town combines a quiet rural atmosphere with a compact center of cafés, shops and local services that serve both residents and visitors. A network of cycling lanes, polder landscapes and small woodland pockets gives Beernem an outdoorsy feel ideal for low‑key exploration and photography.
Its proximity to Bruges and the coast makes it a convenient base for day trips while offering a more relaxed, village pace of life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey in Beernem by visiting the charming village center, where historical buildings and quaint streets await. Don't miss the opportunity to savor a traditional Belgian breakfast at a local café, paired with a fresh pastry. The peaceful ambiance of the village in the morning sets the perfect tone for your day of exploration.
In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll to the nearby Beernem Castle, surrounded by lush gardens where you can enjoy a picnic. Engage with the local culture by visiting the artisan shops that showcase handmade crafts and regional delicacies. As you wander through the streets, the vibrant colors of Beernem's architecture will surely captivate your senses.
As the sun sets, dine at a cozy local restaurant where you can indulge in authentic Belgian cuisine, with dishes like moules-frites and rabbit stew. Post-dinner, consider a relaxed walk along the canals, where the tranquil waters reflect the beautifully lit surroundings. End your day with a nightcap at a local pub, enjoying the welcoming atmosphere and perhaps some live music.
Awaken your taste buds with a visit to a local brewery, where you can partake in a beer-making workshop. Learn about the rich brewing traditions of Belgium while sampling fresh, local beers right from the source. Pair your morning brews with delightful snacks that enhance the flavors of the beer.
Spend the afternoon touring the picturesque countryside on a rented bike, stopping at various farms and breweries to taste even more local beers. Engage with friendly locals as you explore the surrounding vineyards and hop fields, all while enjoying the peaceful rural scenery. Capture beautiful photographs of the landscape as you cycle through this enchanting region.
As the day winds down, join a guided beer tasting tour that takes you through some of the best pubs in town. Sample an array of different beers and learn about their unique flavor profiles from knowledgeable guides. End your experience by making new friends over a delicious dinner that pairs perfectly with your favorite brews.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $2.50-4 |
| 🍺Local beer (pint at a bar) | $3-6 |
| 🚆Local train ticket (short regional) | $3-8 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel (per night) | $70-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, authentic Flemish small‑town atmosphere with easy access to Bruges and the coast
- Excellent cycling and walking routes through scenic polders and canals
- Lower prices and fewer crowds than nearby tourist hubs
- Good base for day trips to Bruges, Ostend and other West Flanders attractions
- Limited nightlife and dining diversity within Beernem itself
- Fewer tourist services and specialized shops compared with larger cities
- Public transport options are less frequent than in urban centers, so a car or bike is helpful
- Seasonal weather can be wet and windy due to coastal influence
- "Goedendag / Goedemorgen" - Good day / Good morning
- "Dank u wel / Dankjewel" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft / Alsjeblieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is het station?" - Where is the train station?
Places to Visit in Beernem
Visit one of these nice places.
Picturesque streets, local shops and the church offer classic small‑town Flemish scenes; best in soft morning or evening light.
Long straight waterways, dikes and open fields provide layered compositions, reflections and dramatic skies — excellent at sunrise or sunset.
Quiet tree‑lined lanes and hedgerows frame typical rural scenes with farmhouses and seasonal agricultural activity.
Medieval canals, historic bridges and ornate buildings are an easy, photogenic half‑day trip from Beernem.
Food in Beernem
Beernem Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A slow‑cooked beef stew in a beer‑based gravy; commonly served with fries or mashed potatoes and found in most traditional brasseries.
Must-Try!
Belgian mussels steamed with aromatics and served with crispy fries — widely available at restaurants and a coastal favorite when visiting nearby Ostend or Bruges.
Street and café staples — try a freshly made waffle with toppings or local spiced speculoos biscuits from bakeries and markets.
Regional cheeses sold at markets and specialty shops; pair them with a Belgian beer for a tasty sampler plate.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Typical weekly market with local producers selling bread, cheese, fruit, vegetables and prepared snacks — perfect for building a picnic or sampling regional treats.
A short trip away, Bruges has larger markets and street vendors offering waffles, fries and chocolate — great for sampling Belgian street food.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Flemish people are typically polite and reserved — a brief handshake and eye contact on first meeting is common. Use formal greetings (Goedemorgen/Goededag) in shops and with older people.
Punctuality is valued for appointments and tours; arrive on time for reservations and trains.
Dutch (Flemish) is the main language — many locals speak good English, but attempting basic Dutch phrases is appreciated. Be mindful of the language divide between Flanders and Wallonia on political/cultural topics.
Keep noise to a moderate level in residential areas, especially at night. Public drinking is acceptable in many places but be respectful of local rules and private property.
Safety
Tipping in Beernem
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charges are often included in restaurant bills; rounding up or leaving a small additional tip (5–10%) for good service is appreciated but not obligatory. In cafés and bars, leave small change or round up to the nearest euro.
Belgium uses the euro. Credit and debit cards (Maestro, Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in shops and restaurants; however small cafés, markets and rural vendors may prefer cash, so carry some euros. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, emerging greenery and blooming hedgerows — excellent for cycling and birdwatching; some muddy trails after rain so bring suitable footwear.
Pleasant and mild but occasionally warm; peak tourist season in nearby Bruges, long daylight hours and many outdoor cafés; pack light rain gear for periodic showers.
Crisp air and autumn colors in woodland pockets and hedgerows; quieter than summer and ideal for photography and longer countryside walks.
Cool, damp and windier (coastal influence), with short daylight hours; off‑season means fewer services but lower prices and peaceful surroundings — bring warm, waterproof layers.
Beernem at Night
Hiking in Beernem
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Routes along dikes and canals offering flat, accessible walks with open views, ideal for birdwatching and seasonal photography.
Short to medium loops that connect surrounding villages, hedgerows and small wooded patches — pleasant for half‑day hikes and nature observation.
A short drive brings you to seaside dune trails offering more varied terrain and sea views — combine with a day trip to the coast for extended hiking.
Airports
How to reach Beernem by plane.
The closest regional airport (approx. 25–35 km depending on route); offers seasonal and low‑cost flights and is convenient for coastal access and shorter connections.
Belgium’s largest international airport (about 90–110 km from Beernem); well connected globally with regular train and road links to Bruges and onward local transport to Beernem.
A mid‑sized airport (roughly 70–90 km away) with some European connections; reachable by road and rail via Antwerp city links.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large share of residents are Flemish families who live locally or commute to nearby towns for work; the area has a family‑friendly, community focus.
Many people commute to Bruges, Ghent or other regional centers for work, blending rural residence with urban employment.
Like many small towns in Europe, Beernem has a notable older population, reflected in local services and community activities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cycling is extremely popular in Flanders — both recreational and competitive — and the region’s infrastructure supports touring, racing and leisure rides.
Local amateur football clubs are an important part of community life, with matches and youth programs across towns and villages.
Club sports like field hockey and tennis are common recreational choices for families and active residents.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Beernem.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but more limited than in large cities; most brasseries will offer salads, omelettes, cheese plates and vegetable soups. Mention dietary needs when ordering and consider visiting Bruges for a wider vegan/vegetarian scene.
Special diets require a bit more planning: look for cafés with clear menus or shop for fresh produce at markets. Larger nearby towns have more specialized restaurants and health food stores.
Staff are generally helpful — state allergies clearly in Dutch or English and double‑check ingredients with cooks for dishes that commonly use butter, cream or wheat.